Worker falls from scaffold onto members of the public (11 May 2021)

A 23-year-old scaffolding labourer has fallen from a scaffold during dismantling at a Hurstville residential unit complex. The worker climbed the exterior of the scaffold to remove loose scaffold components on the upper decks. While climbing he has fallen from the scaffold onto the awning below that covered the entrance to the unit complex. The awning collapsed landing on two elderly members of the public and another worker who were entering the building. All three sustained injuries after being hit by the awning and falling worker.

A building with a broken awning at an entrance doorway.
The worker fell from the scaffold onto an awning over the building entrance.

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with falls while working with scaffolding.

You must:

  • ensure no one climbs the exterior of the scaffold
  • provide safe access to platforms on the scaffold, either internal access such as scaffold stairs (preferred) or fixed ladders, or direct access from an adjacent structure
  • erect and dismantle scaffolds using a safe system of work that ensures scaffolders are behind edge protection at all times
  • ensure no one climbs standards, ledgers, or transoms to gain extra height
  • prepare a safe work method statement when working two metres or more from the ground and ensure it is understood and followed by all workers
  • prevent all unauthorised access to scaffold
  • ensure scaffolds are only erected, altered and dismantled by a worker with the appropriate scaffolding high risk work (HRW) licence. You can check if a HRW licence is valid by visiting verify.licence
  • ensure workers hold a valid construction induction card (white card) prior to directing or allowing them to work on a NSW constructions site

Scaff Safe 2021

SafeWork NSW will continue to target scaffold safety on construction sites throughout 2021. Inspectors will be attending worksites and talking with employers and workers to ensure compliance. On the spot fines of between $432 and $3,600 apply for those not managing scaffold safety, falls from heights risks, and unlicenced workers.

More information

Back to top